Yu-Mei Huang - UK

“A Taiwanese-born, London-based textile artist. She honours the rich traditions of East Asian heritage through the art of traditional craftsmanship, seamlessly blending these age-old techniques with contemporary practice. Rooted in a commitment to sustainability, each piece is thoughtfully crafted with locally sourced natural materials, reflecting a deep respect for both the environment and the cultural practices that inspire them.

Graduated from Royal College of Art in London, her work has been showcased at London Craft Week, Cork Street Gallery (London), Yiri Art Gallery (Taiwan), and 182 Art Space (Taiwan), Contemporary Textile Art Gina Morandini (Italy), ss space space(Taiwan), So.shiro Gallery (London) and the TextielMuseum (the Netherlands).”

“For the XTANT Off-Site Exhibition, I am creating a series of textile pieces using raw silk sourced from Mai Châu, Vietnam—locally crafted by artisans who have preserved traditional silk-making techniques for generations. This project is deeply inspired by my journey with TextileSeekers, where I explored Vietnam’s rich textile heritage, connecting with local craftspeople and their stories. Through knitting, I will translate the textures, landscapes, and impressions from this experience into a contemporary form, bridging tradition with modern craftsmanship. Alongside the textile pieces, I will also produce a zine that documents this journey, capturing the essence of the craft, the people, and the cultural narratives that shaped this work.

I aim to create a series of 3–5 knitted lamp covers using raw hemp from Mai Châu, along with 3–4 handmade baskets, and table linen crafted from raw silk. These elements, paired with locally sourced food, will come together to present a textile-inspired dining table.

Drawing inspiration from how textiles are interwoven into daily life in Vietnam, I seek to reinterpret traditional forms through the act of knitting—transforming locally crafted silk into delicate, sculptural pieces that embody both utility and artistry. The contrast between the hemp’s natural fluidity and the structured nature of knitting allows me to explore themes of tradition, adaptation, and material storytelling. Each piece becomes both a physical object and a conceptual expression of my experience—merging contemporary textile practices with deeply rooted craftsmanship.”

- Taken from Yu Mei Huang

@yumeihuang_studio on Instagram

www.yumei-huang.com